S.Res. 480 (111th): A resolution condemning the continued detention of Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and calling on the military regime in Burma to permit a credible and fair election process and the transition to civilian, democratic rule.

Condemning the continued detention of
Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and calling on the military
regime in Burma to permit a credible and fair election process and the
transition to civilian, democratic rule.

Whereas
the military regime in Burma, headed by General Than Shwe and the State Peace
and Development Council, continues to persecute Burmese democracy leader Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters in the National League for Democracy, and
ordinary citizens of Burma, including ethnic minorities, who publically and
courageously speak out against the regime’s many injustices;

Whereas
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been imprisoned in Burma for 14 of the last 19 years
and many members of the National League for Democracy have been similarly
jailed, tortured, or killed;

Whereas
the Constitution adopted in 2008 and the election laws recently promulgated
effectively prohibit the National League for Democracy, Buddhist monks, ethnic
minority leaders, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in upcoming
elections, and do not leave much opportunity for domestic dialogue among key
stakeholders; and

Whereas
the persecution of the people of Burma has continued even though the Department
of State has pursued a policy of engagement with the military regime designed
to secure the release of political prisoners, foster national reconciliation,
and facilitate peaceful transition to civilian, democratic rule: Now,
therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

condemns the continued detention of Burmese
democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all prisoners of conscience in Burma,
and calls for their immediate and unconditional release;

(2)

calls on the military regime in Burma to
engage in dialogue with all political groups and individuals dedicated to
democratic ideals, as well as with ethnic minorities, to broaden political
participation in an environment free from fear and intimidation;

(3)

calls upon the Secretary of State to assess
the effectiveness of the policy of engagement with the military regime in Burma
in furthering United States interests, and to maintain, and consider
strengthening, sanctions against Burma if the military regime continues its
systematic violation of human rights and fails to embrace the democratic
aspirations of the people of Burma;

(4)

calls upon the Secretary of State to engage
regional governments and multilateral organizations, as appropriate, in order
to push for the establishment of an environment in Burma that encourages the
full and unfettered participation of the people of Burma in a democratic
transition to civilian rule; and

(5)

calls on the Secretary of State to support
the people of Burma in calling for significant constitutional and election
reforms by the military regime, which will broaden political participation,
further democracy, accountability, and responsive governance, and improve human
rights in Burma.